NYRA/Coglianese Photo

NYRA and American Red Cross to Host Blood Drive on November 7 at Aqueduct Racetrack

by NYRA Press Office

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced today that it will partner with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Wednesday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aqueduct Racetrack. 

"NYRA is proud to once again support the American Red Cross by hosting this important annual event at Aqueduct Racetrack," said Vanessa Rodriguez, NYRA Community Relations Manager. "We thank the Red Cross for the important work they do, and look forward to another successful blood drive on November 7."

"When you donate blood, you give the gift of hope to a patient in need. It's one of the most meaningful and important gifts you can give someone," said Patty Corvaia, Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region's communications manager. "Without dedicated community partners like NYRA and all our blood donors, the Red Cross' life-saving mission would not be possible."

The blood drive will take place in the Aqueduct Room, located on the fourth floor of the track. Donors should enter Aqueduct through the main lobby (facing the train stop) or the Turf and Field entrance (facing the Belt Parkway & JFK Airport) and take the elevator to the fourth floor.

To mark the occasion, NYRA will name the first race of the day in honor of the American Red Cross. All donors will receive a NYRA souvenir and be entered in a raffle for a $50 VISA gift card towards a holiday feast.

Donors with all blood types are needed. The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to give before the start of the holiday season because many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day due to holiday and family activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading to the holidays to ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months.

Walk-ins are welcome at the blood drive, but donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org and using the sponsor code, "NYRA".